EUROPE AND HER DESPOTS. KO. II. 401 



their privileges invaded, and a system of moral degradation set at work 

 calculated to break down the spirit of the proudest people, and render 

 them the willing tools of despotism. * A well organised system of 

 espionage pervaded every part of the empire, and glided into the bosom 

 of every domestic circle. So well known is the fondness of the emperor 

 for secret information, that the vilest of his subjects approaches his 

 palace as a welcome guest, provided he brings with him some venomous 

 secret ; he is then sure to be rewarded. A smothered discontent per- 

 vades every part of his dominions. Francis is too well aware of this, and 

 seeks to neutralize its operation by remission of taxes, and such like half 

 measures. But though the system may last out his time, a fearful storm 

 will burst upon the head of his successor. 



We have alluded to one marked feature in the character of this 

 monarch; one that it is almost impossible to ruffle: we allude to his 

 phlegmatic indifference. Yet there is one talismanic v/ord that has the 

 power of kindling his eye and shaking his attenuated frame ; this word, 

 one that jars on the ear of every despot, is " Constitution." Shortly 

 after the " pacification" of Europe, the Tyrolese, who were again trans- 

 ferred from the Bavarian to the Austrian sceptre, soon found the differ- 

 ence to their cost. Their mountains were overrun with Austrian douan- 

 niers ; every vestige of their ancient constitution annihilated. A depu- 

 tation accordingly, composed of two prelates, two noblemen, and two 

 commons, waited upon Francis to pray for some alleviation, and the 

 exercise of their right. " So you want a constitution, do you ?" said the 

 Emperor, trembling with rage. " We do, Francis," replied the com- 

 mons, with mountaineer bluntness, while the more courtly prelates and 

 nobles almost kissed the ground. ee Well, you shall have one," said the 

 Emperor ; " but let me give you to understand that the army is mine ; 

 that if I want money I shall not ask you a second time ; and, look ye, 

 put a bridle on your tongues ; I'll have no talking." To which elo- 

 quent improvisation the Tyrolese replied, " In that case we are better 

 without any." " And so I think/' said Francis, turning on his heel, 

 and leaving the apartment. 



But the nature of the most evil is not all evil. In his private life 

 Francis is irreproachable. He rises early, devotes the forepart of the day 

 to the despatch of public business, and twice a week holds a public levee, 

 to which the meanest of his subjects has access. He dines about four, and 

 if the weather be fine, takes a drive to the Prater, or amuses himself with 

 his favourite pigeons. The evening he passes in the apartment of the 

 Empress. He is fond of music, and excels on the violencello. His 

 family he governs with the same despotic sway as his empire. Of the 

 Archduke Charles he is jealous ; John he calls a bookworm, and the 

 Palatine a madman. His favourite is Reynier. But of all the members 

 of his family the young Duke de Reichstadt possessed the greatest share 

 of his tenderness. The death of this young prince has been almost im- 

 mediately followed by two events, the probable influence of which on 

 the political state of Europe must be looked forward to with anxiety. 

 1st. the arrival of his uncle, the ex-King Joseph, and now the elder branch 

 of the imperial dynasty of Napoleon ; and, secondly, the approaching 

 departure for the Austrian dominions of Charles X. and the exiled 

 Bourbons. Our own ministers, as well as the cabinet of Louis Philippe 

 view their departure not without some secret misgivings Metternich, as 

 he has done all along, is playing a deep game : he no sooner loses the 

 MM. No. 82. 2E 



